Walmart Foundation helps deliver free tax services

BENTONVILLE, Ark. The Walmart Foundation announced that it is partnering with United Way Worldwide, One Economy Corporation and National Disability Institute to bring free tax preparation and filing services to consumers nationwide.

A$4 million grant from the Walmart Foundation will be shared among the program partners and is expected to help return $1 billion in total tax refunds, credits and tax preparation savings, the organizations reported.

Through the program, the United Way Worldwide will assist Americans who earn less than $49,000 with free tax and EITC filing at 91 community-based tax preparation sites. In addition, tax-payers earning less than $58,000 per year can take advantage of the MyFreeTaxes.com national tour. Equipped with One Economy's online tax filing technology and IRS-trained tax professionals, the tour will visit 30 communities across the United States.

The NDI's Real Economic Impact Tour will assist qualifying taxpayers with disabilities who earn $49,000 or less. Funding from the Walmart Foundation allows NDI to expand its disability-inclusive tax assistance programs, including making free tax preparation sites and online tools accessible to disabled filers.

"The Walmart Foundation is building on the success of last year's program to again put savings and EITC refunds back in taxpayers' pockets," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. "As many continue to feel the impact of the challenging economy, our goal is to establish a more integrated and accessible program that helps Americans live better lives."